After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 319

“So, may I ask what brings you here today, Your Highness?”

Shateian, who had been silently watching Rosalyn, turned his head slightly. The only people in the sitting room were the two of them and the fainted Rosalyn.

“Did you learn that innocent act from the Duke, Lady? Wasn’t it you who urgently sent me a letter first?”

“I assumed you had other business since you arrived without notice.”

“You’re becoming as shameless as he is.”

Shateian let out a long sigh, but Sebelia remained unfazed.

“So, am I right to assume you’re here to give me your answer?”

At her question, Shateian turned his head to look at Rosalyn again. Thanks to the doctor’s care, some color had returned to Rosalyn’s face.

“This isn’t really the place to discuss such matters.”

After a brief pause, Shateian walked to the doors leading to the garden and opened them. Sebelia called for a servant to move Rosalyn to her room and followed after him.

“It’s as beautiful as they say.”

Shateian praised as they entered the garden. He lingered for a moment, admiring the flowers Dehart had personally selected and planted. His slow, relaxed steps spoke of a certain ease.

Sebelia walked alongside him without a word. There was no use pushing for answers—the Crown Prince wasn’t someone who revealed his intentions so easily. Her assessment was correct.

Once they reached the area shrouded by rose bushes, Shateian finally stopped. The tall hedges shielded the small annex behind them, making it even more secluded.

“It seems the Duke truly cherishes you.”

Sebelia, who had been admiring the blooming roses, looked over at him. Without taking his eyes off the edge of the white building beyond the hedges, Shateian continued.

“But that’s the kind of affection you only notice up close.”

He could feel her gaze growing more intense, but he didn’t seem to mind. The scent of roses hung heavy in the air.

“A sturdy wall doesn’t keep people out—it only draws their curiosity in.”

“By that, do you mean…”

“That’s right. The article about the Duke wasn’t my decision. Or, let me put it another way.”

While gently brushing a petal with his fingertip, Shateian murmured,

“There were plans to publish stories about him in several places at once, and I managed to contain it to just the Lyn Post.”

Sebelia exhaled sharply.

“So it was bound to come out, one way or another.”

“More than half the capital was already buzzing with rumors. Trying to stop it would’ve been pointless.”

Sebelia pressed a hand to her forehead, letting out a quiet sigh.

“This isn’t the North, Lady. This is Lang Elisa, the blessed city ruled by our glorious emperor. In a city of glory, gold, and gossips, you two have been living far too quietly—and that’s ruffled a lot of feathers.”

Now, Sebelia began to understand the situation. Their current predicament was the inevitable result of people’s curiosity boiling over. After everything had settled, she’d all but disappeared from parties and gatherings, and Dehart had been just as reclusive.

But after their decisive role in exposing the Empress’s conspiracy, public curiosity about Duke Inverness and his mysterious lover had only grown. Deprived of any news, the rumors had surely started to take a more negative turn: “Maybe something happened to them,” or “Perhaps their relationship is on the rocks.”

Envy and fascination rarely go hand in hand. More often than not, jealousy and disdain follow close behind.

As she realized this harsh truth, Sebelia flexed her fingers, which had gone cold. Shateian had already turned to face her.

“I know you don’t like being the subject of gossip. And I’m well aware that you forced yourself to attend parties and events just to keep the traitors in check.”

“…”

“But you can’t hide away in your little paradise forever. It’s time to start paying attention to what happens beyond these walls.”

Sebelia let out a long, slow breath.